It was a night to forget for right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros.
Following a win in Game 2 of the World Series in Houston against the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies, the Astros had a little momentum heading into Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night.
But that momentum was quickly dissipated as McCullers allowed seven runs and the offense was shut down by left-hander Ranger Suarez and the Phillies’ bullpen.
In fact, all of the Phillies’ runs came on home runs, which made McCullers the first pitcher in World Series history to allow five home runs in a single game.
Lance McCullers Jr. is now the first pitcher in MLB history to allow 5 home runs in a single World Series game. pic.twitter.com/aICQkz0zUn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 2, 2022
McCullers Knocked Around In Game 3
McCullers certainly didn’t have his best stuff in Game 3 as the Astros fell behind 2-1 in the series.
Now, Houston is potentially looking at falling behind 3-1 as they face Phillies co-ace Aaron Nola tonight in Game 4 of the series.
On the offensive side, Houston picked up just five hits, went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left a total of eight men on base, as they were unable to solve Suarez and the bullpen.
McCullers is obviously no stranger to the World Series, having been a key member of the Astros’ starting rotation during their run to the title in 2017.
But his outing in Game 3 was uninspiring.
McCullers was responsible for all seven Phillies runs and was pulled after just 4.1 innings, though he did strike out five batters.
At the same time, he was unlucky enough to become the first pitcher in World Series history to surrender five home runs in a game.
Now, Houston finds themselves down 2-1 and in need of a win in order to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.
NEXT: David Hensley Completes A Feel-Good Journey In Game 3